December 1999

UNSCOM: CHRONOLOGY OF MAIN EVENTS

3 Apr 1991Security Council
resolution 687 (1991), Section C, decides that Iraq shall
unconditionally accept, under international supervision, the destruction, removal or
rendering harmless of its weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles with a range
over 150 kilometres, and related production facilities and equipment. It also provides for
establishment of a system of ongoing monitoring and verification of Iraqs compliance
with the ban on these weapons and missiles. Requires Iraq to make a declaration, within 15
days, of the location, amounts and types of all such items.

14 May 1991 Entry into force of the exchange of letters between the
Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister of Iraq setting out the rights, privileges and
immunities of the Special Commission and its personnel in Iraq.

23-28 Jun 1991 UNSCOM/IAEA inspectors try to intercept Iraqi vehicles
carrying nuclear related equipment (Calutrons). Iraqi personnel fire warning shots in the
air to prevent the inspectors from approaching the vehicles. The equipment is later seized
and destroyed under international supervision.

17 Jun 1991Security
Council resolution 699 (1991), confirms that the Special
Commission and the IAEA have a continuing authority to conduct activities under section C
of resolution 687 (1991).

28 Jun 1991 Statement by the President of the Security Council
deploring Iraqs denial of access to an inspection site and asking the
Secretary-General to send a high-level mission to Baghdad immediately (S/22746).

30 Jun 1991 UNSCOM commences its first missile inspection.

5 Jul 1991 Report of the high-level mission sent to Iraq containing
undertakings by Iraq of full cooperation, including immediate and unimpeded access to
sites and the right to stop and inspection vehicles in movement (S/22761).

2 Aug 1991 Iraq declares to the first biological inspection team that
it had conducted "biological research activities for defensive military
purposes".

15 Aug 1991Security Council
resolution 707 (1991), demands that Iraq provide without
further delay full, final and complete disclosures of its proscribed weapons and
programmes, as required by resolution 687 (1991).

6 Sep 1991 The first UNSCOM inspection team which intended to use
helicopters is blocked by Iraq.

23 Sep 1991 Statement to the press by the President of the Security
Council concerning Iraqs failure to provide unconditional acceptance of resolution
707 (1991) (SC/5306 - IK54).

21-30 Sep 1991 IAEA inspectors find large amounts of
documentation relating to Iraq's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. The Iraqi officials
confiscate some documents from the inspectors. The inspectors refuse to yield a second set
of documents. In response, Iraq refuses to allow the team to leave the site with these
documents. A four-day stand-off during which the team remained in the parking lot of the
site ensues. Iraq permits the team to leave with the documents following a statement by
the President of the Security Council, threatening enforcement action by members of the
Council.

24 Sep 1991 Statement to the press by the President of the Security
Council concerning Iraqs detention of an inspection team and reiterated that the
Commission is the sole judge of the definition of documents, sites or materials subject to
inspection (SC/5307 - IK61).

24 Sep 1991 Statement to the press by the President of the Security
Council concerning the use of its own helicopters by the Special Commission and noting a
letter from Iraq which the Council considered to be an unconditional acceptance of
resolution 707 (1991) (SC/5370-IK/61).

11 Oct 1991Security
Council resolution 715 (1991), approves the plans for
ongoing monitoring and verification submitted by the Secretary-General (S/22871/Rev. l)
and the Director General of the IAEA (S/22872/Rev.1). The Commission's plan also
establishes that Iraq shall "accept unconditionally the inspectors and all other
personnel designated by the Special Commission".

Oct 1991 Iraq states that it
considers the Ongoing Monitoring and Verification Plans, adopted by resolution 715 (1991),
to be unlawful and states that it is not ready to comply with resolution 715.

18 Feb 1992 Special report of the Executive Chairman of UNSCOM
regarding the visit of a special mission to Baghdad on 27 January 1991, recording that
Iraq was rejecting any obligations imposed on it by Council resolutions 707 (1991) and 715
(1991) (S/23606).

19 Feb 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
approving the report of the special mission and expressing grave concern over Iraqs
failure to acknowledge its obligations under resolution 715 (1991) and the plans for
ongoing monitoring and verification, and supporting a decision to despatch a further
special mission to Baghdad (S/23609).

28 Feb 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council, upon
receipt of the special Commissions report, reaffirming that it is for UNSCOM alone
to determine which items are to be destroyed under resolution 687, and condemning
Iraqs failure to provide full compliance with the relevant Security Council
resolutions (S/23663).

11 Mar 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning general and specific obligations of Iraq including those in the weapons areas,
under the various Security Council resolutions (S/23699).

12 Mar 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council noting
a statement made in the Council by the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq and expressing the
view that Iraq had not yet complied fully and unconditionally with its obligations under
the relevant Security Council resolutions (S/23709).

19 Mar 1992 Iraq declares the existence of previously undeclared
ballistic missiles (89), chemical weapons and associated material. Iraq reveals that most
of these undeclared items were unilaterally destroyed in the summer of 1991, in violation
of resolution 687 (1991).

9 Apr 1992 Iraq calls for a halt of UNSCOM's aerial surveillance
flights, making reference to the possibility that the aircraft and its pilot would be
endangered.

10 Apr 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning Iraqs threats to the safety and security of UNSCOMs aerial
surveillance flights over Iraq and reaffirming UNSCOM's right to conduct such flights
(S/23803). Subsequently, Iraq affirms that it does not intend to carry out any military
action aimed at UNSCOM's aerial flights.

May 1992 Iraq provides its first Full, Final and Complete Disclosures
for its prohibited biological and missile programmes. Iraq admits to having had only a
"defensive" biological weapons programme.

Jun 1992 Iraq provides its first Full, Final and Complete Disclosure
for its prohibited chemical weapons programme.

Jul 1992 UNSCOM begins the destruction of large quantities of Iraq's
chemical weapons and production facilities.

6-29 Jul 1992 Iraq refuses an inspection team access to the Iraqi
Ministry of Agriculture. UNSCOM had reliable information that the site contained archives
related to proscribed activities.

6 Jul 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning refusal by Iraq to permit the UNSCOM inspection team entry into the Ministry of
Agriculture and stating that Iraqs denial constituted a material and unacceptable
breach of resolution 687 (1991) (S/24240). Access was thereafter obtained. Evidence
gathered from the Ministry is consistent with the removal of items during the period the
team was denied entry.

15 Oct 1992 Statement to the press by the President of the Security
Council concerning a high-level statement made in Iraq which appeared to constitute a
threat to the security of United Nations inspectors, expressing the Councils concern
for the safety of the inspectors and expressing the wish that Iraq cooperate fully with
them (S/5484 - IK125).

23 Nov 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning general and specific obligations of Iraq, including those in the weapons areas,
under the various Security Council resolutions (S/24836).

24 Nov 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning statements by the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq and regretting threats,
allegations and attacks made by him regarding the various United Nations operations in
Iraq (S/24839).

Jan 1993 Iraq refuses to allow UNSCOM the use of its own aircraft to
fly into Iraq. Furthermore, Iraq starts incursions into the demilitarized zone between
Iraq and Kuwait and increases its military activity in the no-fly zones.

8 Jan 1993 Statement by the President of the Security Council, noting
that Iraq's action in prohibiting the use of UNSCOM aircraft is an "unacceptable and
material breach" of resolution 687 (1991) and warns Iraq of "serious
consequences", were it to continue (S/25081).

11 Jan 1993 Statement by the President of the Security Council
reiterating the Statement of 8 January 1993 regarding Iraqs prohibition on the use
of UNSCOM aircraft, and again warning of serious consequences that would flow from
continuing defiance (S/25091).

19 Jan 1993 Air raids are conducted on sites in southern Iraq by
France, the UK and the US. Iraq informs UNSCOM that it will be able to resume its flights
(S/225172).

18 Jun 1993 Statement by the President of the Council, expressing deep
concern over Iraqs de facto refusal to accept UNSCOM installation of
monitoring devices and warning Iraq of the serious consequences of material breaches of
resolution 687 (1991) (S/25970). Subsequently, Iraq agrees to the installation of the
monitoring cameras.

16 Sep 1993 Tripartite report by the Executive Chairman, the leader of
the IAEA Action Team and the Director of the Iraqi Military Industrialization Corporation
on measures to implement the plan for ongoing monitoring and verification (S/26451).

12 Oct 1993 Second tripartite report on steps to resolve outstanding
issues and to implement ongoing monitoring and verification (S/26571).

10 Feb 1994 Joint statement dated 5 February 1994, by the Deputy Prime
Minister of Iraq and the Executive Chairman of the Special Commission regarding
significant progress made since July 1993 in both the political and technical areas, and
expressing readiness to expedite the process establishing ongoing monitoring and
verification (S/1994/151).

29 Apr 1994 Joint Statement issued by the Chairman of the Special
Commission, the Head of the IAEA Action Team and the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq
regarding progress made, in particular in regard to the establishment of the ongoing
monitoring and verification, and recording Iraqs assurances that it would respect
the rights and privileges of the Commission and the IAEA and the Commissions and the
IAEAs commitment to exercise their rights and privileges in a manner respecting
Iraqs legitimate concerns regarding sovereignty, independence, security and dignity
(S/1994/520)

Jun 1994 UNSCOM completes the destruction of large quantities of
chemical warfare agents and precursors and their production equipment.

20 Jul 1994 Report by the Executive Chairman of the Special
Commission, transmitting a further joint statement regarding progress made in the
implementation of paragraphs 8 to 13 of resolution 687 (1991) (S/1994/860).

Sep/Oct 1994 Iraq sets a deadline of 10 October 1994 for the
implementation of paragraph 22 of resolution 687 (1991), rejects all appeals to withdraw
its threat to stop cooperation with UNSCOM, and starts deploying troops in the direction
of Kuwait. It leads the US to begin deploying troops to Kuwait.

8 Oct 1994 Statement by the President of the Security Council,
underlining the complete unacceptability of Iraqi statements threatening to withdraw
cooperation with UNSCOM and grave concern over reports regarding the deployment of troops
in Iraq in the direction of Kuwait (S/PRST/1994/58).

15 Oct 1994Security Council
resolution 949 (1994), demands that Iraq "cooperate fully"
with UNSCOM and that it withdraw all military units deployed to southern Iraq to their
original positions. Iraq thereafter withdraws its forces and resumes its work with the
Commission.

15 Oct 1994 Letter from the Representatives of Iraq and of the Russian
Federation, transmitting a Joint Communique containing Iraqs announcement that it
had withdrawn its troops to rearguard positions (S/1994/1173).

Mar 1995 Iraq provides the second Full, Final and Complete Disclosures
of its prohibited biological and chemical weapons programmes.

1 Jul 1995 As a result of UNSCOM's investigations and in the light of
irrefutable evidence, Iraq admits for the first time the existence of an offensive
biological weapons programme but denies weaponization.

Jul 1995 Iraq
threatens to end all cooperation with UNSCOM and the IAEA if there is no progress towards
the lifting of sanctions and the oil embargo by 31 August 1995.

Aug 1995 Iraq provides the
third Full, Final and Complete Disclosure for its prohibited biological weapons programme.

8 Aug 1995 General Hussein Kamel, Minister of Industry and Minerals
and former Director of Iraq's Military Industrialization Corporation, with responsibility
for all of Iraq's weapons programmes, leaves Iraq for Jordan. Iraq claims that Hussein
Kamel had hidden from UNSCOM and the IAEA important information on the prohibited weapons
programmes. Iraq withdraws its third biological Full, Final and Complete Disclosure and
admits a far more extensive biological warfare programme than previously admitted,
including weaponization. Iraq also admits having achieved greater progress in its efforts
to indigenously produce long-range missiles than had previously been declared. Iraq
provides UNSCOM and the IAEA with large amounts of documentation, hidden on a chicken farm
ostensibly by Hussein Kamel, related to its prohibited weapons programmes which
subsequently leads to further disclosures by Iraq concerning the production of the nerve
agent VX and Iraq's development of a nuclear weapon. Iraq also informs UNSCOM that the
deadline to halt its cooperation is withdrawn.

Nov 1995 Iraq provides
second Full, Final and Complete Disclosure of its prohibited missile programme.

Nov 1995 The Government of Jordan intercepts a large shipment of
high-grade missile components destined for Iraq. Iraq denies that it had sought to
purchase these components, although it acknowledged that some of them were in Iraq. UNSCOM
conducts an investigation, which confirms that Iraqi authorities and missile facilities
have been involved in the acquisition of sophisticated guidance and control components for
proscribed missiles. UNSCOM retrieves additional similar missile components from the
Tigris river, which had been allegedly disposed of there by Iraqis involved in the covert
acquisition.

Mar 1996 UNSCOM teams are denied
immediate access to five sites designated for inspection. The teams enter the sites after
delays of up to 17 hours.

19 Mar 1996 Statement by the President of the Security Council
expressing the Councils concern at Iraq's denial of access, which it terms a clear
violation of Iraq's obligations under relevant resolutions. The Council also demands that
Iraq allow UNSCOM teams immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to all sites
designated for inspection (S/PRST/1996/11).

27 Mar 1996Security Council
resolution 1051(1996), approves the export/import monitoring mechanism
for Iraq and demands that Iraq meet unconditionally all its obligations under the
mechanism and cooperate fully with the Special Commission and the Director-General of the
IAEA.

May-Jun 1996 UNSCOM supervises the destruction of Al-Hakam, Iraq's
main facility for the production of biological warfare agents.

Jun 1996 Iraq denies UNSCOM
teams access to sites under investigation for their involvement in the "concealment
mechanism" for proscribed items.

12 Jun 1996Security Council
resolution 1060 (1996), terms Iraq's actions a clear violation of the
provisions of the Council's resolutions. It also demands that Iraq grant immediate and
unrestricted access to all sites designated for inspection by UNSCOM.

14 Jun 1996 Statement by the President of the Security Council in
which the Council condemns the failure of Iraq to comply with resolution 1060 (1996). The
Council also asks that the Executive Chairman visit Baghdad with a view to securing access
to all sites which the Commission designates for inspection (S/PRST/1996/28).

19-22 Jun 1996 The Executive Chairman visits Baghdad. UNSCOM and Iraq
agree on a Joint 1996 Statement and a Joint Programme of Action (S/1996/463). The Chairman
establishes modalities for inspection of so-called "sensitive sites", in order
to take into account Iraq's legitimate security concerns.

Jun 1996 Iraq provides third Full, Final and Complete Disclosure of
its prohibited chemical weapons programme. The progress achieved in verifying this
disclosure, and subsequent attachments presented by Iraq, is described in the Commission's
October 1997 report to the Security Council (S/1997/774).

Jul 1996 Iraq provides the third Full, Final and Complete Disclosure
of its prohibited missile programme. The results achieved by the Commission verifying this
disclosure, and subsequent attachments presented by Iraq, is described in the Commission's
October 1997 report to the Security Council (S/1997/774).

23 Aug 1996 Statement by the President of the Security Council in
which the Council strongly reaffirms its full support of the Commission in the conduct of
its inspections and other tasks and expresses its grave concern at Iraqs failure to
comply fully with resolution 1060 (1996). The Council also states that Iraqs failure
to grant immediate unconditional and unrestricted access to sites and its attempts to
impose conditions on the conduct of interviews with Iraqi officials constitute a gross
violation of its obligations. The Council also reminds Iraq that only full compliance with
its obligations would enable the Executive Chairman to present a report in accordance with
section C of resolution 687 (1991) (S/PRST/1996/36).

30 Dec 1996 Statement by the President of the Security Council in
which the Council deplores the refusal of Iraq to allow the Special Commission to remove
certain missile engines from Iraq for analysis, and demands that Iraq allow such removal.
(S/PRST/1996/49).

Feb 1997 Iraq allows UNSCOM
to remove the missile engines.

Jun 1997 Iraq interferes with UNSCOM's helicopter
operations, threatening the safety of the aircraft and their crews.

18 Jun 1997 Statement by the President of the Security Council
expressing serious concern at Iraqs actions endangering the Commissions
helicopters, deploring such incidents and demanding that Iraq permit UNSCOM to carry out
its air operations anywhere in Iraq without interference of any kind (S/PRST/1997/33).

21 Jun 1997 Iraq again blocks UNSCOM's teams from entering certain
sites, which have been designated by UNSCOM for inspection.

21 Jun 1997Security Council
resolution 1115 (1997), condemns Iraq's actions and demands that Iraq
allow UNSCOM's team immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to any sites for
inspection and officials for interviews by UNSCOM. The Council also calls for an
additional report on Iraq's cooperation with the Commission and suspends the periodic
sanctions reviews.

Sep 1997 Iraq provides fifth
Full, Final and Complete Disclosure for its prohibited biological weapons programme. An
international panel of experts is convened in New York to discuss Iraqs declaration.
The panel unanimously finds Iraqs declaration to be incomplete, inadequate and
technically flawed.

13 Sep 1997 One of UNSCOM's personnel is manhandled by an Iraqi
officer on board one of the Commission's helicopters while the inspector was attempting to
take photographs of the unauthorized movement of Iraqi vehicles inside a site declared by
Iraq to be "sensitive", that was designated for inspection. Two days later, Iraq
again failed to freeze movement inside another "sensitive site" designated for
inspection.

17 Sep 1997 The President of the Security Council makes a statement to
the media, which, inter alia, deplores the incidents and urges Iraq to cooperate
fully with UNSCOM.

17 Sep 1997 While seeking access to a site for inspection declared by
Iraq to be "sensitive", UNSCOM inspectors witness and videotape the movement of
files, the burning of documents and dumping of ash-filled waste cans into a nearby river.

Sep/Oct 1997 UNSCOM inspection teams are prevented from inspecting
three sites designated for inspection, on the basis that the sites are "presidential
sites", which Iraq claims are out of bounds to UNSCOM's inspectors.

23 Oct 1997Security Council
resolution 1134 (1997), demands that Iraq cooperate fully with the
Special Commission, continues the suspension of the periodic sanctions reviews and
foreshadows additional sanctions pending a further report on Iraq's cooperation with
UNSCOM.

Oct 1997 UNSCOM completes
the destruction of additional, large quantities of chemical weapons related equipment and
precursors chemicals. Iraq had previously denied that part of the equipment had been used
for CW production. Only in May 1997, on the basis of UNSCOM's investigations, did Iraq
admit that some of the equipment had indeed been used in the production of VX.

27 Oct 1997 The Executive Chairman sends a letter to Deputy Prime
Minister Tariq Aziz, suggesting the agenda for forthcoming meetings in Baghdad. The letter
proposes that Iraq address important outstanding issues, including warheads, VX and the
biological weapons area. It also mentions the need to review the "modalities for
inspection of sensitive sites" to ensure that inspections are conducted in a credible
manner.

29 Oct 1997 The Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Tariq Aziz, sends a
letter to the President of the Security Council, informing the Council of policy decisions
taken by the Government of Iraq. The letter includes a decision not to deal with personnel
of United States nationality working for UNSCOM, a demand that all personnel of United
States nationality working with UNSCOM leave Iraq by a given deadline, and a request that
UNSCOM withdraw its "cover" for the "spy plane" U-2, provided by the
United States.

29 Oct 1997 Statement by the President of the Security Council
condemning Iraq's decision and terming it "unacceptable". The statement also
demands that Iraq cooperate fully, without restrictions or conditions with UNSCOM, and
warns of the serious consequences of Iraq's failure to comply immediately and fully with
its obligations under relevant resolutions (S/PRST/1997/49).

12 Nov 1997Security Council
resolution 1137 (1997), condemns the continued violation by Iraq of
its obligations, including its unacceptable decision to seek to impose conditions on
cooperation with UNSCOM. It also imposes a travel restriction on Iraqi officials who are
responsible for or participated in the instances of non-compliance.

13 Nov 1997 Iraq requires the personnel of United States nationality
working for UNSCOM to leave Iraq immediately. The Executive Chairman decides the majority
of the UNSCOM personnel should withdraw temporarily from Iraq. A skeleton staff remains in
Baghdad to maintain UNSCOM's premises and equipment.

13 Nov 1997 Statement by the President of the Security Council in
which the Council condemns the unacceptable decision of Iraq in expelling personnel of
UNSCOM of a specified nationality, demands Iraq to rescind its decisions of 29 October
1997 and demands that Iraq cooperate fully with UNSCOM (S/PRST/1997/51).

20 Nov 1997 Following intensive diplomatic activity an agreement is
reached between Iraq and the Russian Federation whereby Iraq accepts the return of the
Commission with its full complement of staff to resume its work in Iraq. The
Commissions personnel, who had been temporarily withdrawn to Bahrain, return to Iraq
on 21 November and resume their inspection activities the following day.

21 Nov 1997 An Emergency Session of the Special Commission is held in
New York in order to discuss and advise on ways to make the work more effective. The
report of the Emergency Session is submitted to the Security Council (S/1997/922).

3 Dec 1997 Statement by the President of the Security Council in which
the Council endorses the conclusions and recommendations of the Emergency Session of the
Commission. The Council also stresses that the effectiveness and speed with which UNSCOM
might accomplish its responsibilities was determined by the degree to which Iraq
cooperated in disclosing the full extent and disposition of its proscribed programmes, and
in granting UNSCOM unimpeded to all sites, records and individuals. The Council further
welcomes the progress achieved by UNSCOM and the IAEA in the various disarmament areas
(S/PRST/1997/54).

17 Dec 1997 The Executive Chairman returns to New York from Iraq and
reports, inter alia, to the Council that Iraq would not permit the
Commissions inspectors into a category of sites (Presidential and Sovereign)
hitherto not identified to the Council or the Commission as being off-limits to inspection
(S/1997/987).

22 Dec 1997 The President of the Security Council issues a statement
in which members of the Council call upon the Government of Iraq to cooperate fully with
the Commission and stress that failure by Iraq to provide immediate, unconditional and
unrestricted access to any site is unacceptable (S/PRST/1997/56).

13 Jan 1998 The Executive Chairman reports to the Council that during
the first day of an inspection, Iraq announced that it was withdrawing its cooperation
with the inspection team on the pretext that the team had too many individuals of US or UK
nationality (S/1998/27 of 13 January 1998).

14 Jan 1998 Iraq continues to block the work of the inspection team.

14 Jan 1998 The President of the Security Council issues a statement
terming Iraqs actions unacceptable and a clear violation of the relevant resolutions
and reiterates its demand that Iraq cooperate fully and immediately without conditions
(S/PRST/1998/1).

22 Jan 1998 Following a visit to Iraq, the Executive Chairman reports
to the Council that, despite the Councils Statement on the need for unrestricted
access to all sites, the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq continues to assert that Iraq would
not permit access to eight so-called Presidential sites (S/1998/58).

Early Feb Two technical evaluation meetings (TEMS) take place in Baghdad, reviewing
1998 the position with respect to the chemical weapons agent VX. and missile warheads. The
report of the outcome of the meetings is submitted to the Council (document S/1998/176).
Despite Iraqs assertions and it having had a full opportunity to present its views
on all matters pertaining to the two issues, the team of UNSCOM international experts
conclude unanimously that Iraq has still not provided sufficient information for the
Commission to conclude that Iraq had undertaken all the disarmament steps required of it
in these areas. The Commissions experts provide the Council with an oral briefing of
the outcome on these two TEMS in March 1998.

15-18 Feb 1998 In order to understand the scope (size and perimeters)
of the eight Presidential sites which Iraq had decided to declare off-limits to the
Commissions inspectors, the Secretary-General decides to despatch a technical survey
team to Iraq. The report of this mission is forwarded to the Council under cover of a
letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Council (S/1998/166 Add.1).

20-23 Feb 1998 The Secretary-General visits Iraq. As a result of his
meetings, the United Nations and the Republic of Iraq agree on the terms of a Memorandum
of Understanding (MO.) (S/1998/166) which was signed on 23 February. The Secretary-General
secures Iraqs reconfirmation of its acceptance of all relevant resolutions of the
Council and the reiteration of its undertaking to cooperate fully with the Commission and
the IAEA. In the Memorandum, Iraq also undertakes to accord to UNSCOM and the IAEA
immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access in conformity with the resolutions of the
Council. For its part, the United Nations reiterates the commitment of all member States
to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq. The Memorandum also includes
an undertaking by the Commission to respect the legitimate concerns of Iraq relating to
national security, sovereignty and dignity. The Memorandum also provides for the
establishment of special procedures which would apply to initial and subsequent entries
for the performance of the tasks mandated at the eight Presidential sites. The Memorandum.
also makes provisions for the appointment of a Commissioner to head the Special Group
established for the mandated tasks at Presidential sites. Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala is
appointed to this position by the Secretary-General.

2 Mar 1998Security Council
resolution 1154 (1998) endorses the provisions of the MOU.

9 Mar 1998 In pursuance of the MOU, procedures for initial and
subsequent entry to the sites are drawn up and presented to the Council (document
S/1998/208).

20-27 Mar 1998 The Commission and Iraq conduct a further technical
evaluation meeting (TEM) in Vienna dealing with all aspects of Iraqs biological
weapons programme.

8 Apr 1998 The report of the biological weapons TEM is transmitted to
the Council (S/1998/308). As with the other TEMs, the experts unanimously conclude that
Iraqs declaration on its biological weapons programme is incomplete and inadequate.

15 Apr 1998 The report of the Special Group on the visit to
Presidential sites is submitted to the Council by the Secretary-General (S/1998/326).

16 Apr 1998 The Commissions semi-annual consolidated report is
submitted to the Council (S/1998/332).

6 May 1998 The Executive Chairman informs the Council (S/1998/377)
that its requirements with respect to access to sites are sufficiently implemented to
allow for the termination of the travel ban called for in resolution 1137 (1998).

14 May 1998 Statement by the President of the Security Council in
which the Council welcomes the improved access provided to the Special Commission and the
IAEA by Iraq, following the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding of 23 February
1998. The Council expresses the hope that the agreement by the Government of Iraq to
provide immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to the Special Commission and the
IAEA would reflect a new Iraqi spirit with regard to providing accurate and detailed
information in all areas of concern (S/PRST/1998/11).

3-4 Jun 1998 At the Councils request, experts from the
Commissions New York Headquarters staff provide a technical briefing to Council
members in informal session. At the conclusion of the meeting the Executive Chairman
circulates to Council members for information an informal paper on disarmament issues
which the Commission deems necessary to be completed and verified for the formulation of a
report pursuant to paragraph 22 of Security Council resolution 687 (1991).

14 Jun 1998 The Executive Chairman agrees on a schedule for work on
certain outstanding disarmament issues with the Deputy Prime Minister covering the
following six weeks (S/1998/529).

10-15 Jul 1998 A team of UNSCOM international experts meets with their
Iraqi counterparts in Baghdad to give Iraq an account of the Commissions VX.
findings.

14 Jul 1998 As a consequence of the high-level talks between the
Deputy Prime Minister and the Executive Chairman in June 1998, a team of UNSCOM
international biological experts is assembled in Baghdad to review, for the third time,
Iraqs declaration on its biological weapons programme. The experts conclude that the
declaration is not verifiable.

3 Aug 1998 During a visit to Baghdad, the Executive Chairman is told
by the Deputy Prime Minister that he must certify to the Security Council that the
requirements of section C of resolution 687 (1991) have been met. The Chairman responds
that he is not in a position to do so. The Deputy Prime Minister suspends the talks
(S/1998/719).

5 Aug 1998 The Revolutionary Command Council and the Baath Party
Command decide to halt cooperation with UNSCOM and the IAEA pending Security Council
agreement to lift the oil embargo, reorganize the Commission and move it to either Geneva
or Vienna. In the interim, Iraq would, on its own terms, permit monitoring under
resolution 715 (1991).

6 Aug 1998 The Executive Chairman briefs the Security Council on
Iraqs position and the results of his talks in Baghdad (S/1998/719). The Security
Councils President terms Iraqs actions "totally unacceptable".

12 Aug 1998 The Executive Chairman informs the Security Council
(document S/1998/767) that, in addition to halting all disarmament activities, Iraqs
actions with respect to monitoring have impinged on the effectiveness of the monitoring
system and the Commission could not continue to provide the Security Council with the same
level of assurances of Iraqs compliance with its obligations not to reestablish its
proscribed weapons programmes.

18 Aug 1998 In a letter from the President of the Council
(S/1998/769), the Security Council reiterates its support for UNSCOM in the full
implementation of its mandate and notes that Iraq is obliged to provide UNSCOM with
cooperation necessary for it to undertake activities, including inspections.

19 Aug 1998 The Executive Chairman proposes, in a letter to the Deputy
Prime Minister that Iraq and the Special Commission resume the full range of activity.
This is rejected by the Deputy Prime Minister in remarks to the press stating that Iraq
does not trust the Executive Chairman or the elements dominating UNSCOM and that it does
not believe that there is any use in resuming work with them.

3 Sep 1998 The Executive Chairman briefs the Security Council on the
status of UNSCOMs work in Iraq, including three incidents where Iraq has placed
further limits on the Commissions rights and activities with respect to monitoring.

9 Sep 1998Security Council
resolution 1194 (1998) unanimously condemns Iraqs decision to
suspend cooperation with UNSCOM, terming Iraqs actions a totally unacceptable
contravention of Iraqs obligations; demands Iraq rescind its decision and decides
not to conduct the 60-day sanctions reviews until Iraq does so and the Commission reports
to the Council that it is satisfied that it has been able to exercise its full range of
activities, including inspections.

24-25 Sep 1998 The Commission holds a second international expert
meeting in New York to discuss the results of 1998 analyses conducted on remnants of
Iraqs missile warheads.

6 Oct 1998 The Commission submits its semi-annual report to the
Security Council (S/1998/920).

13 Oct 1998 The Executive Chairman briefs the Council on the
Commissions semi-annual report.

22-23 Oct The Commission convenes a further international expert
meeting to discuss the 1998 analysis of samples taken from remnants of Iraqs special
warheads. The report of the meeting which is submitted to the Council.

31 Oct 1998 Iraq announces that it will cease all forms of interaction
with UNSCOM and its Chairman and to halt all UNSCOMs activities inside Iraq,
including monitoring. The Security Council, in a statement to the press, unanimously
condemn Iraqs decision to cease all cooperation with UNSCOM.

4 Nov 1998 The Executive Chairman informs the Council (S/1998/1032)
that, as a result of Iraqs actions, the Commission is not in a position to provide
the Council with any level of assurance of Iraqs compliance with its obligations not
to retain and not to reestablish proscribed activities.

10 Nov1998 The Executive Chairman decides to remove all of the Commission's
personnel from Iraq. He explained the circumstances surrounding the decision in a letter to the
President of the Council dated 11 November (S/1998/1059), indicating that the prime consideration
which motivated the decision and the speed at which it was executed was the safety of the
Commission's staff in Iraq. The entire UNSCOM contingent withdrew from Iraq to Bahrain on 11 November.

13 Nov 1998 The Secretary-General wrote to the President of Iraq appealing to Iraq
to resume cooperation with the Special Commission and IAEA (S/1998/1077, annex I).

14 Nov 1998 The Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq responded to the Secretary-General's
letter of 13 November to the President of Iraq noting that in the light of the Secretary-General's
letter under reply and assurances from a number of members of the Council, the leadership of Iraq
had decided to resume working with the Special Commission and IAEA and to allow them to perform
their normal duties.

15 Nov 1998 Press Statement by the President of the Security Council
in which the Council takes note of Iraqs statement of 14 November to cooperate fully
with the Special Commission and the IAEA. The Council members underline that their
confidence in Iraqs intentions needs to be established by unconditional and
sustained cooperation with the Special Commission and the IAEA in exercising the full
range of their activities. The Council members also reaffirm their readiness to proceed
with the comprehensive review once the Secretary-General has confirmed, on the basis of
reports from the Special Commission and the IAEA that Iraq has returned to full
cooperation on the basis of resolution 1194 (1998) and the Council Presidents letter
of 30 October to the Secretary-General (SC/65/96-IK258).

3 Dec 1998 The Special Commission submits the first of a series of
weekly reports on its activities during the period 17 November to 2 December 1998. The
report covers inspection activities during that period and also provides an account of
correspondence exchanged with Iraq regarding matters such as the provision of documents,
clarifications on a number of points previously raised with Iraq and asking that Iraq
provide new substantial information on its biological weapons programme.

9 Dec 1998 The Special Commission submits its second weekly report to
the Security Council describing monitoring activities and the difficulties encountered in
the course of those activities, including blockage at a site.

15 Dec 1998 The Special Commission reports to the Security-General
concerning UNSCOMs activities and the status of Iraqs cooperation with the
Commission in the period since 14 November 1998. The Executive Chairman concludes that
Iraq did not provide the full cooperation it had promised on 14 November 1998
(S/1998/1172)

16 Dec 1998 The Special Commission withdraws its staff from Iraq.

January 1999 The Council discusses informal proposals submitted by
France Russia and Canada including on ways to re-establish dialogue and cooperation
between Iraq and the United Nations.

25 Jan 1999 The Executive Chairman submits a report (S/1999/94) to the
President of the Security Council on disarmament and monitoring.

30 Jan 1999 Through a note (S/1999/100), the President of the Security
Council announces that the Security Council has decided that it would be useful to
establish three panels to, inter alia, provide the Council with recommendations on how to
re- establish an effective disarmament/ongoing monitoring and verification regime in Iraq.

27 Mar 1999 The Chairman of the Panels forwards the reports of the
Panels to the President of the Security Council (S/1999/356)

9 April 1999 The Commission submits its semi-annual report to the
Security Council (S/1999/401).

30 June 1999 Mr. Richard Butler completes his two year tenure as
Executive Chairman of UNSCOM.

8 October 1999 The Commission submits its semi-annual report to the
Security Council (S/1999/1037).

17 December 1999 Security Council adopts resolution 1284 replacing
UNSCOM by the United Nations Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC).